2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 428 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 685 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 265 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
